Thumb brace

ABSTRACT

A thumb brace comprising a glove having a thumb portion disposed between a palm side and a back side and comprising a first attachment region positioned adjacent a base of the thumb portion and a second attachment region positioned on the back side of the glove; a first elastic strap having a first end, a mid-portion, and a second end, wherein the mid-portion is disposed within a cradle of the glove between the thumb portion and an index finger portion of the glove, the first end is releasably attached to the first attachment region, and the second end is releasably attached to the first attachment region, whereby the first strap extends a distal end of a thumb metacarpal bone of a user of the brace; and a second elastic strap having a first end, a mid-portion, and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to the palm side of the glove and the second end is releasably attached to the second attachment region, whereby the second strap reduces a proximal end of a thumb metacarpal bone of a user of the brace.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/288,112 filed Jan. 28, 2016, by Dr. Hugh AllenFrederick, and entitled, “Thumb Brace,” which is incorporated herein byreference as if reproduced in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The joint where the thumb connects to the wrist may be referred to asthe carpometacarpal joint, the CMC joint, or the basal joint of thethumb. Arthritis affecting the CMC joint affects millions of people andmay be caused by genetic inherited factors and/or wear and tear on thejoint with repeated use over many years. Thumb CMC arthritis may causepain during gripping and pinching actions and may limit hand function.Such symptoms may begin when patients are in their fifties and stillactive.

There is no cure for arthritis. Current treatments for thumb CMCarthritis include suggesting that patients modify their activity bydoing less with their hands, suggesting that patients take arthritismedication, applying splints or braces to the affected area, injectingcortisone into the affected area, and performing surgery on the affectedarea.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, a thumb brace is provided. The thumb brace comprises:a glove having a thumb portion disposed between a palm side and a backside and comprising a first attachment region positioned adjacent a baseof the thumb portion and a second attachment region positioned on theback side of the glove; a first elastic strap having a first end, amid-portion, and a second end, wherein the mid-portion is disposedwithin a cradle of the glove between the thumb portion and an indexfinger portion of the glove, the first end is releasably attached to thefirst attachment region, and the second end is releasably attached tothe first attachment region, whereby the first strap extends a distalend of a thumb metacarpal bone of a user of the brace; and a secondelastic strap having a first end, a mid-portion, and a second end,wherein the first end is attached to the palm side of the glove and thesecond end is releasably attached to the second attachment region,whereby the second strap reduces a proximal end of a thumb metacarpalbone of a user of the brace.

In another embodiment, a thumb brace is provided. The thumb bracecomprises: a glove comprising first, second, and third hook and loopfasteners, wherein the first hook and loop fastener provides anadjustable cuff opening for the glove; the second hook and loop fastenerconnects first and second ends of a first elastic strap positioned onthe glove to extend a distal end of a thumb metacarpal bone of a user ofthe glove; and the third hook and loop fastener connects the second endof a second elastic strap positioned on the glove to reduce a proximalend of a thumb metacarpal bone of a user of the glove.

In another embodiment, a method for aligning a thumb metacarpal bonewith a trapezium bone via a thumb brace comprising a glove and a strapsystem, the method comprising: placing the glove on a hand experiencingsubluxation of the thumb metacarpal bone; extending a distal end of thethumb metacarpal bone by releasably connecting a first elastic strap ofthe strapping system to a first attachment region on the glove; andreducing a proximal end of the thumb metacarpal bone by releasablyconnecting a second elastic strap to a second attachment region of theglove.

These and other features will be more clearly understood from thefollowing detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of this disclosure, reference is nowmade to the following brief description, taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein like referencenumerals represent like parts.

FIG. 1 illustrates dorsal subluxation of the proximal end of the thumbmetacarpal bone in a patient with arthritis in the thumb metacarpalbone.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a thumb brace according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a back view of a thumb brace according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a thumb brace according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a thumb brace according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a back view of a thumb brace according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a palm view of a thumb brace according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a view of a cradle area of a thumb brace according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is another view of a cradle area of a thumb brace according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is another view of a cradle area of a thumb brace according toan embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates an outline of a thumb brace superimposed over adorsal view of the bones of a left human hand according to an embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates an outline of a thumb brace superimposed over apalmar view of the bones of a left human hand according to an embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a thumb brace illustrating the attachment of astrapping system to the thumb brace according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a method for aligning a thumb metacarpal bonewith a trapezium bone according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be understood at the outset that although an illustrativeimplementation of one or more embodiments are provided below, thedisclosed systems and/or methods may be implemented using any number oftechniques, whether currently known or in existence. The disclosureshould in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations,drawings, and techniques illustrated below, including the exemplarydesigns and implementations illustrated and described herein, but may bemodified within the scope of the appended claims along with their fullscope of equivalents.

FIG. 1 illustrates dorsal subluxation (as represented by arrow 40) ofthe proximal end 5 of the thumb metacarpal bone 10 in a patient witharthritis in the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint 25. During routine pinchingand grasping activities, significant forces may be applied across theCMC joint 25 in an area of the joint about the size of a nickel. Whenarthritis is not present, these forces may be spread evenly over theends of the thumb metacarpal bone 10 and the trapezium bone 20 at theinterface where those two bones meet. With repeated use, the shearstress on the CMC joint 25 may cause wear on the cartilage caps on theproximal end 5 of the thumb metacarpal bone 10 and the distal end 22 ofthe trapezium bone 20. Subsequent inflammation may stretch the capsuleand ligaments around the CMC joint 25. As a result, the proximal end 5of the thumb metacarpal bone 10 may sublux dorsally (as represented byarrow 40) away from the trapezium bone 20, and the distal end 30 of thethumb metacarpal bone 10 may move in the opposite direction (asrepresented by arrow 50), toward the palm. This orientation of the thumbmetacarpal causes all of the forces that were previously spread evenlyover the ends of the thumb metacarpal bone 10 and the trapezium bone 20to become concentrated in only the small portion of the CMC joint 25where the thumb metacarpal and the trapezium now meet. Morespecifically, with the thumb metacarpal bone 10 in a dorsal subluxation,it can be seen that the forces between the thumb metacarpal bone 10 andthe trapezium bone 20, indicated by opposing reference arrows 60 and 62,are concentrated in a small area 70 rather than being distributed evenlyacross the entire interface between the thumb metacarpal bone 10 and thetrapezium bone 20 as would be the case if the thumb metacarpal bone 10and the trapezium bone 20 were properly aligned. With only a portion ofthe CMC joint 25 surface absorbing the repeated load, the cartilage mayfail and arthritis and pain may develop.

A thumb splint may stabilize or immobilize the thumb and reduce the painexperienced by a patient with such a condition. However, a patient maynot be able to satisfactorily engage in sports or other vigorousactivities while wearing a thumb splint since the splint may impede useof the hand. Gloves designed for use by arthritic patients while playinggolf or engaging in other activities merely provide padding around thejoints and do not stabilize the thumb.

Referring to the Figures and the related disclosure herein, variousembodiments of a thumb brace 200 are provided that stabilize and alignthe thumb metacarpal bone 10 without impeding the wearer's ability toengage in sports or other activities. The thumb brace 200 comprises aglove 100 and a strap system 105 that includes a first strap 110designed to lift or extend the distal end 30 of the thumb metacarpalbone 10 and a second strap 150 designed to reduce the dorsal subluxationat the proximal end 5 of the thumb metacarpal bone 10 at the CMC joint25. These two forces (e.g., counter-rotating forces applied proximateand opposite reference arrows 40 and 50) provided by straps 110 and 150align and stabilize the CMC joint 25 such that the load is distributedacross the entire joint interface, thereby reducing pain and abnormalwear on the CMC joint 25.

As used herein, the term “glove” may refer to any article in which ahand may be inserted and that at least partially contacts and at leastpartially covers the back of the hand and the palm of the hand.Referring to FIG. 3, the glove may also include finger elements, e.g.,130, 131, 132, 133, into which fingers can be inserted. A finger elementmay be present for each of the four fingers, or one or more fingerelements may be absent to allow one or more fingers to be free toperform activities that may be hindered by the presence of a fingerelement. Additionally or alternatively, each finger element may be afull element enclosing the entire length and tip of a given finger, ormay be a partial or shortened finger element where a portion of thefinger is covered and the remaining portion extending to the tip isuncovered. That is, when a finger element is present, the finger elementmay cover the entire finger, or the finger element may cover only aportion of the finger and the rest of the finger may be exposed. In anembodiment, the glove comprise 4 finger elements, alternatively 3 fingerelements, alternatively 2 finger elements, alternatively 1 fingerelement, or alternatively no finger elements; and each finger elementthat is present may independently be a full or partial finger element.The glove disclosed herein includes a thumb element into which a thumbcan be inserted. The thumb element may cover the entire thumb or only alower portion of the thumb, for example terminating at the joint betweenproximal and distal phalanges of the thumb.

The strap system 105 disclosed herein can be incorporated into anysuitable glove for any suitable purpose to provide therapeutic supportto a person having thumb CMC arthritis and wearing the glove during agiven activity. Examples of suitable gloves for use with the currentlydescribed thumb brace 200 include those designed or configured foractivities such as construction, where users work with hardware such ashammers, saws, nail guns, building materials, and the like; oil and gasexploration and production, where users such as roughnecks work withheavy equipment on onshore and offshore drilling rigs; motorsports andtransportation service and repair, where mechanics work with tools,impact wrenches, jacks, and the like; logging, where users work withchainsaws and axes; tactical operations performed by military and lawenforcement personnel; cutting activities performed by butchers,commercial fisherman, or meat processing workers; outdoor activities,where users grip a variety of specialized equipment while participatingin activities such as golf, tennis, baseball, softball, dirt biking,snowmobiling, skiing, snowboarding, hunting, fishing, hiking, climbing,cycling, rollerblading, skateboarding, water skiing, wake boarding, andthe like; lawn and gardening, where users work with a variety of handtools such as hoes, shovels, rakes, mowers, trimmers, and the like; andhome improvement, where weekend warriors undertake a myriad of homeimprovement activities. Further examples of suitable gloves for use withthe currently described thumb brace 200 include one or more of thevarious types of Mechanix Wear® gloves, commercially available fromMechanix Wear, Inc. Further examples of suitable gloves for use with thecurrently described thumb brace 200 include one or more of the variousgolf, batting, or other sporting gloves commercially available fromFootJoy, Nike, Callaway, Titleist, Taylor Made, Dunlop, Bionic, Puma,Pocketec, Mizuno, Bridgestone, Under Armour, Franklin, Easton, andothers.

In an embodiment, the glove 100 comprises a partial thumb elementterminating at the joint between proximal and distal phalanges of thethumb and 4 partial finger elements terminating at about (e.g., adjacentor proximate to) the joint between the proximal and middle phalange ofeach finger, for example of the type commonly referred to as a workoutor weight lifting glove. In an embodiment, the glove 100 comprises threefull finger elements covering the middle, ring, and pinky fingers, and apartial finger element for the index finger, for example of the typecommonly referred to as a shooting glove allowing easy access of theindex finger to a trigger of a firearm. In an embodiment, the glove 100has 4 full finger elements and a full thumb element and is notsubstantially thicker than existing golf gloves, batting gloves, or thelike and therefore does not impede the wearer's ability to engage insports or other activities such as golf, tennis, baseball or softball.In an embodiment, the glove 100 is of a type commonly referred to andconfigured as a batting glove for use in baseball or softball.

In an embodiment, the glove 100 is of a type commonly referred to andconfigured as a golf glove, and for ease of reference the remainder ofthe description herein will be in the context of a golf glove embodimentwith the understanding that the concepts and designs herein (e.g., thestrap system 105 as described herein) may be incorporated into anysuitable glove for any suitable purpose. Golf gloves typically have anatural or synthetic leather palm and a variety of fabric backs, oftenincorporating one or more cooling elements such as vents (e.g.,perforations); flexible mesh portions (e.g., across the knuckles);stretchable, moisture-wicking, and/or breathable fabric; andcombinations thereof. The palm and/or palm side of one or more of thefinger elements may further incorporate a number of texturing options toimprove grip. Referring to FIG. 3, a golf glove may have an adjustablecuff, for example an elastic cuff or an adjustably sized cuff asprovided by a tab closure such as flap 90 on the back of the glove(i.e., dorsal or back side of the hand) that may be opened or closed byway of a fastener such as a hook and loop fasteners, zipper, etc. Theflap 90 has an external face or surface 92 that is typically a smoothfabric (often adorned by a manufacturer's logo) in a standard golf glove(but, in contrast, embodiments according to the present disclosure mayfurther comprise second attachment region 160 on external flap surface92, as will be described in detail herein). The flap 90 typicallyfurther comprises an interior face or surface comprising a first portion(e.g., loop portion) of the hook and loop fastener. The flap 90 overlapsa portion 94 of the back of the glove having disposed thereon theopposite portion of the hook and loop fastener (e.g., the hook portion)such that the glove flap 90 may be adjustably closed and opened byengaging and disengaging, respectively, the hook and loop fastenerportions associated with the flap 90 and overlapped portion 94 of theback of the glove.

Referring to FIG. 3, in addition to glove 100, the thumb brace 200comprises a strap system 105, which may be combined or incorporated withany suitable glove as described herein. The strap system 105 furthercomprises a first strap 110, a second strap 150, a first attachmentregion 140, and a second attachment region 160. As used herein, the term“strap” may refer to any article that is substantially longer than wide,for example a rectangular shape of various dimensions. In someembodiments disclosed herein, the strap may be made of a stretchable,elastic material to allow the strap to be stretched such that the endsof the strap may be placed in various desired locations on theattachment regions. Examples of suitable stretchable, elastic materialinclude elastomeric fabrics, for example fabrics comprising fibers madefrom natural or synthetic elastomeric materials such as natural orsynthetic rubber, spandex or elastane, lastol, and elasterell-p. Asdescribed in more detail below and shown in FIG. 2, first strap 110 maybe a single, continuous piece of material having a first end 111 and asecond end 112. Alternatively, first strap 110 may be two separatepieces of material (also referred to as first and second lengths,members, sections, or halves of the first strap), each of which havingan end that performs a function similar to that performed by acorresponding end 111 or 112 of a single piece of material. In anembodiment, the first strap 110 may have a total combined, unstretchedlength of about 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10,10.5, 11, 11.5, or 12 inches, and a width of about 0.25, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5,0.6, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, or 1.25 inches. Excess lengthmay be trimmed by a user to provide a customized fitting. In anembodiment, the first strap 110 has a length in a range of from about 7to 9 inches and a width in a range of from about 0.25 to 0.75 inches.

Referring to FIG. 3, a central portion 115 of the first strap 110 isdisposed in a region of the glove 100 where a thumb element 120 of theglove 100 merges with a first finger element 130 of the glove 100.Several embodiments for disposing the first strap 110 within this regionof the glove (e.g., cradle 118) will be discussed below with referenceto FIGS. 8, 9, and 10. As shown in FIG. 4, first end 111 of the firststrap 110 remote from the central portion 115 may be stretched, placedover and in contact with a dorsal region 116 of the glove 100 adjacentthe base of the thumb of the glove, further wrapped around and incontact with the base of the thumb, and attached to the glove 100 viafirst attachment region 140. The second end 112 of the first strap 110remote from the central portion 115 may be stretched, placed over and incontract with a palmar region 117 (as shown in FIG. 7) of the glove 100adjacent the thumb of the glove, further wrapped around and in contactwith the base of the thumb, placed over and in contact with the firstend 111 adjacent the termination thereof, and attached to the glove 100via an unused or open portion of the first attachment region 140.Alternatively, the ends 111 and 112 of the first strap 110 may beattached to the first attachment region 140 in the reverse order.

The first attachment region 140 provides a complementary mating orattachment surface for the ends 111 and 112 of first strap 110 such thatthe ends 111 and 112 will be held securely in place upon contact withfirst attachment region 140. As such ends 111 and 112 and firstattachment region 140 may comprise a complementary portion of a fastenersuch as a hook and loop fabric attachment system such as Velcro® brandhook and loop fastener. In the embodiments shown in the Figures, theattachment of ends 111 and 112 of first strap 110 to the firstattachment region 140 of glove 100 occurs through the use of a hook andloop fabric fastener. In other embodiments, other attachment means orfasteners, such as snaps or buttons, may be used. It should beunderstood that when attachment by a hook and loop fastener is describedherein, one of the two surfaces being attached includes the hook fabricportion of the fastener and the other surface includes the loop fabricportion, and typically the hook and loop fabric portions may be placedon either surface opposite each other (that is, the hook and loop fabricportions of the fastener are typically reversible in position orsequence).

In an embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, at least a portion of theunderside 113 of the first strap 110 adjacent the ends 111 and 112comprises the loop fabric portion of the hook and loop fastener, thatis, the underside 113 of ends 111 and 112 of the first strap 110 thatattach to and detach from the first attachment region 140 of glove 100.At least a portion of the exterior surface 142 of the first attachmentregion 140 of the glove 100 comprises the hook fabric portion of thehook and loop fastener. The hook and loop fabric portions of thefastener may be attached to the glove 100 and first strap 110,respectively, by any suitable attachment means such as stitching and/oradhesive.

The first attachment region 140 of glove 100 (e.g., comprising the hookfabric portion of the fastener) may be positioned such that uponstretching and attaching ends 111 and 112 of first strap 110 asdescribed herein, a force counter to the direction of subluxation ofmetacarpal bone 10 is applied to the distal end 30 of metacarpal bone 10as shown by reference arrow 1020 in FIG. 13. In an embodiment, the firstattachment region 140 of glove 100 (e.g., comprising the hook fabricportion of the fastener) may be disposed on the dorsal side of the handadjacent the base of the thumb, for example between the base of thethumb and the wrist, or alternatively at or adjacent where the thumb andwrist meet (e.g., at or adjacent the intersection of the trapezium 20and the scaphoid bone). In an embodiment, the first attachment region140 of glove 100 (e.g., comprising the hook fabric portion of thefastener) may be disposed on the dorsal side of the hand adjacent thebase of the thumb, for example between the base of the thumb and thewrist, or alternatively at or adjacent where the thumb and wrist meet(e.g., at or adjacent the intersection of the trapezium 20 and thescaphoid bone), wherein about equal surface area is symmetricallydisposed on either side of axis 145 running along a surface ridge of thethumb (e.g., positioned adjacent a base of the thumb, or thumb portionof the glove, along a midline defined by axis 145 where the palm side ofthe glove and the back side of the glove meet). In an embodiment, thefirst attachment region 140 of glove 100 (e.g., comprising the hookfabric portion of the fastener) may be disposed on the radial side ofthe wrist and dorsal to the thumb CMC joint 25. In an embodiment, thefirst attachment region 140 of glove 100 (e.g., comprising the hookfabric portion of the fastener) may be disposed on the radial side ofthe wrist between the CMC joint 25 and the intersection of the trapezium20 and the scaphoid bone.

The first attachment region 140 may be of any suitable size and shape.In an embodiment, the first attachment region 140 may have a surfacearea in a range of between about 0.25 in² and about 5 in²;alternatively, between about 0.25 in² and about 4 in²; alternatively,between about 0.5 in² and about 4 in²; alternatively, between about 0.75in² and about 3 in²; alternatively, between about 1 in² and about 3 in²;alternatively, between about 1 in² and about 2.5 in²; alternatively,between about 1.5 in² and about 3.5 in²; alternatively, between about1.5 in² and about 3.0 in²; alternatively, between about 2.0 in² andabout 4 in²; or alternatively, between about 2.0 in² and about 3.5 in².

In an embodiment, the first attachment region 140 may include one ormore indicators to indicate preferred positions at which the ends 111and 112 of the first strap 110 should be attached to the firstattachment region 140. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 11,the first attachment region 140 has the shape of an “X” or a cross,where each leg of the “X” indicates a preferred alignment of one of theends 111 or 112 of the first strap 110. In other embodiments, the firstattachment region 140 may have another shape, such as an oval, circle,star, square, or rectangle. In such cases, preferred alignments of theends 111 and 112 of the first strap 110 may be indicated by lines,coloring, contrasting, or other indicators superimposed or otherwisevisible on the first attachment region 140. For example, an indicatorforming an “X” shape substantially similar to that shown in FIG. 2, orany other indicator providing a preferred alignment position for ends111 and 112 of first strap 110, may be printed or otherwise shown, forexample via contrasting hook and loop fastener fabric color forming thealignment pattern.

When a person dons the glove 100, each end 111 and 112 of the firststrap 110 may be passed over one side or the other of the wearer's thumband attached to the first attachment region 140 via the hook and loopfastener, and the ends 111 and 112 may be attached in any order. Thefirst attachment region 140 may be of such a size that, after the firstend 111 (having a loop portion of the fastener) of the first strap 110is attached, a sufficient amount of hook fastener remains exposed suchthat the second end 112 of the first strap 110 (having a loop portion ofthe fastener) may be positioned over the first end 111 and attached tothe glove by means of the remaining exposed portion of hook fastener inthe first attachment region 140. In an embodiment, a topside surface offirst strap 110 opposite the underside 113 and adjacent the first end111 may comprise a portion of hook fastener such that after the firstend 111 is attached to the glove, the second end 112 of first strap 110may be positioned over the first end 111 and attached to the glove byboth the topside surface of first strap 110 adjacent the first end 111and by means of the remaining exposed portion of hook fastener in thefirst attachment region 140. As described herein, the first strap 110may be made of an elastic material that allows the ends 111 and 112 ofthe first strap 110 to be stretched to a desired position on the firstattachment region 140.

When the ends 111 and 112 of the first strap 110 are tautly stretchedand attached to the first attachment region 140 in such a manner asdescribed herein, the first strap 110 lifts or extends the distalportion 30 of the thumb metacarpal bone 10, for example as shown byreference arrow 1020 in FIG. 13.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the strap system 105 further comprises asecond strap 150. The second strap 150 may be made of an elasticmaterial that allows the second strap 150 to be stretched to a desiredposition on the second attachment region 160. In an embodiment, thesecond strap 150 may have a total combined, unstretched length of about4, 4.0, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, or12 inches, and a width of about 0.25, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.75,0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.25, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.75, 1.8, 1.9,or 2.0 inches. Excess length may be trimmed by a user to provide acustomized fitting. In an embodiment, the second strap 150 has a lengthin a range of from about 4 to 6 inches and a width in a range of fromabout 0.75 to 1.25 inches.

As shown in FIG. 7, a first end 151 of the second strap 150 may beattached to the glove 100 near the palm side of the wrist portion of theglove 100. In an embodiment, the first end 151 of the second strap 150may be attached to the glove 100 near the palm side of the wrist portionof the glove 100 along an axis 153 extending substantially parallel witha mid-line of the index finger element of the glove. In alternativeembodiments, the first end 151 of the second strap 150 may be positionedsubstantially parallel with and from about 0.1, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.4,0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.9, or 1.0 inches on either side of axis 153.In alternative embodiments, the first end 151 of the second strap may bepositioned at an angle with respect to axis 153 and having opposing endsterminating at a location from about 0.1, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6,0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.9, or 1.0 inches on either side of axis 153. The firstend 151 to the glove 100 may be fixedly attached by stitching, adhesive(e.g., glue), or other known attachment means. Alternatively, the firstend 151 of the glove 100 may be removably attached, for example via hookand loop fastener, wherein the underside 155 of second strap 150comprises loop fabric and contacts an area of hook fabric disposed on(e.g., stitched and/or adhered) the palm of the glove proximate thelocations described in this paragraph. Removably attaching the secondstrap 150 to the glove 100 by hook and loop fastener allows the user toadjust the length of the second end 152 of the second strap 150 byvarying the placement thereof, or otherwise adjust the positioning,comfort, or support provided by the thumb brace 200. In an embodiment,rather than the second strap 150 being a separate component that isattached to the glove 100, the glove 100 may be manufactured such thatfirst end 151 of the second strap 150 is an integral component of theglove 100 near the palm side of the wrist portion of the glove 100.

After the ends 111 and 112 of the first strap 110 have been attached tothe first attachment region 140 as described above, the second, looseend 152 of the second strap 150 may be stretched, wrapped around and incontact with an area 154 adjacent the base of the thumb of the glove (asshown in FIG. 7), passed over and substantially covering and in contactwith ends 111 and 112 attached to the first attachment region 140, andattached to a second attachment region 160 on the back (i.e., dorsal)side of the wrist portion of the glove 100. FIG. 5 illustrates a sideview, FIG. 6 illustrates a back or dorsal view, and FIG. 7 illustrates apalm side view of the glove 100 after the ends 111 and 112 of firststrap 110 and the second end 152 of the second strap 150 have beenattached to the first attachment region 140 and the second attachmentregion 160, respectively, of the glove 100 as described above. Inpassing over the CMC joint 25 in this manner (as shown in FIGS. 6 and11), the second strap 150 may pass over the ends 111 and 112 of thefirst strap 110, thereby further securing the ends 111 and 112 of thefirst strap 110 to the first attachment region 140. Stretching thesecond strap 150 taut and attaching the second end 152 of the secondstrap 150 to the second attachment region 160 of the glove 100 in such amanner provides a force vector palmarly at the dorsal CMC joint 25 tohelp reduce dorsal subluxation of the thumb metacarpal bone 10, forexample as represented by reference arrow 1010 in FIG. 13. With thefirst strap 110 extending the distal portion 30 of the thumb metacarpalbone 10 (as represented by reference arrow 1020) and the second strap150 reducing dorsal subluxation of the thumb metacarpal bone 10 (asrepresented by reference arrow 1010), the alignment of the CMC joint 25is improved. The entire joint thus shares in any load on the joint, andpain and abnormal wear on the joint are reduced.

The second attachment region 160 provides a complementary mating orattachment surface for the second end 152 of second strap 150 such thatsecond end 152 will be held securely in place upon contact with secondattachment region 160. As such second end 152 and second attachmentregion 160 may comprise a complementary portion of a fastener such as ahook and loop fabric attachment system such as Velcro® brand hook andloop fastener. In the embodiments shown in the Figures, the attachmentof second end 152 of second strap 150 to the second attachment region160 of glove 100 occurs through the use of a hook and loop fabricfastener. Alternatively, attachment of the second strap 150 to the backside of the wrist portion of the glove 100 may occur via snaps, buttonsor other attachment means.

In an embodiment shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, at least a portion of theunderside 155 of the second strap 150 adjacent the second end 152comprises the loop fabric portion of the hook and loop fastener, that isthe side of the second strap 150 that attaches to and detaches from thesecond attachment region 160 of glove 100. At least a portion of theexterior surface 162 of the second attachment region 160 of the glove100 comprises the hook portion of the hook and loop fastener such thatthe second strap 150 may attach to the back side of the wrist portion ofthe glove 100 by means of the hook and loop fastener. The hook and loopfabric portions of the fastener may be attached to the glove 100 andsecond strap 150, respectively, by any suitable attachment means such asstitching and/or adhesive.

The second attachment region 160 of glove 100 (e.g., comprising the hookfabric portion of the fastener) may be positioned such that uponstretching and attaching second end 152 of second strap 150 as describedherein, a force counter to the direction of subluxation of metacarpalbone 10 is applied to the proximal end 5 of metacarpal bone 10 as shownby reference arrow 1010 in FIG. 13. The second attachment region 160 maybe located on the back or dorsal side of the glove 100, for example inan area located near the midsection of the back of the glove. Withreference to an x-y axis 80 having an origin at the leftmost edge of thewrist of the glove 100 as shown in FIG. 3, the second attachment region160 may be located anywhere substantially within a region defined asfrom about 0.5 to about 3 inches from the origin along the x axis andfrom about 0.5 to about 3.5 inches from the origin along the y axis;alternatively, within a region defined as from about 1.0 to about 2.5inches from the origin along the x axis and from about 0.5 to about 3.5inches from the origin along the y axis; alternatively, within a regiondefined as from about 1.0 to about 2.5 inches from the origin along thex axis and from about 1.0 to about 3.0 inches from the origin along they axis; or alternatively, within a region defined as from about 1.0 toabout 2.5 inches from the origin along the x axis and from about 1.0 toabout 2.5 inches from the origin along the y axis. As shown in FIG. 3,in an embodiment, second attachment region 160 may be located on theback side of the glove between the edge or cuff 96 of the glove 100 anda knuckle portion 97 of the glove 100.

As shown in FIG. 3, many golf gloves and other gloves of the typedescribed herein include a strap, tab or flap 90 that may be used toloosen or tighten the glove around the wearer's wrist. In an embodiment,the back side of flap 90, that is, the external flap surface 92 facingaway from the glove 100, may be the second attachment region 160 whichincludes a hook fabric portion of the fastener and to which the secondend 152 of the second strap 150 (having a loop fabric portion) may beattached. In an embodiment, the second attachment region 160 comprises apatch of hook fabric having a corresponding size and shape about equalto the flap 90 and stitched onto the external flap surface 92 of flap90, as is shown in FIG. 3. In other embodiments, the second attachmentregion 160 may have any suitable shape, such as an oval, circle, star,square, or rectangle. If a glove does not include such a flap 90, aportion of the fastener (e.g., a hook portion of fabric) to provide thesecond attachment region 160 may be placed on any portion of the backside of the glove that allows the second strap 150 to be positioned toprovide the desired reduction in dorsal subluxation of the thumbmetacarpal bone 10.

The second attachment region 160 may be of any suitable size and shape.In an embodiment, the second attachment region 160 may have a surfacearea in a range of between about 0.25 in² and about 5 in²;alternatively, between about 0.25 in² and about 4 in²; alternatively,between about 0.5 in² and about 4 in²; alternatively, between about 0.75in² and about 3 in²; alternatively, between about 1 in² and about 3 in²;alternatively, between about 1 in² and about 2.5 in²; alternatively,between about 1.5 in² and about 3.5 in²; alternatively, between about1.5 in² and about 3.0 in²; alternatively, between about 2.0 in² andabout 4 in²; or alternatively, between about 2.0 in² and about 3.5 in².In an embodiment, the second attachment region 160 may include one ormore indicators to indicate preferred positions at which the second end152 of the second strap 150 should be attached to the second attachmentregion 160.

The strap system 105 may be operatively positioned in relationship to,and optionally coupled with, the glove 100 to provide the therapeuticeffects to the user as described herein. For example, one or morecomponents of the strap system 105 (e.g., the first strap 110, thesecond strap 150, the first attachment region 140, and the secondattachment region 160) may be integrated into, combined with, orattached to the glove 100 in a variety of configurations. By way offurther example, the central portion 115 of the first strap 110 may bedisposed in several different manners at the region of the glove 100where the thumb element 120 of the glove 100 merges with the firstfinger element 130 of the glove 100. For convenience, this region may bereferred to hereinafter as the cradle 118 (or alternatively a saddleregion).

FIG. 8 illustrates one manner in which the first strap 110 may bedisposed at the cradle 118. In this embodiment, the first strap 110 is asingle piece of material the central portion 115 of which may be fixedlyattached to the exterior of the glove 100 at the cradle 118 by stitching119, forming a contact region 121 between underside 113 of the firststrap 110 and the cradle 118 of glove 100. In alternative embodiments,the first strap 110 is a single piece of material the central portion115 of which may be fixedly attached to the exterior of the glove 100 atthe cradle 118 by adhesive (e.g., glue) in contact region 121, acombination of adhesive and stitching in contact region 121, or othersuch known attachment means. In alternative embodiments, the first strap110 is a single piece of material the central portion 115 of which maybe removably attached to the exterior of the glove 100 at the cradle 118by a temporary attachment such as a hook and loop fastener, or othersuch known attachment means. For example, contact region 121 maycomprise a strip of hook fabric (e.g., having a width about equal to thewidth of the first strap 110) stitched to the outer surface of cradle118. The first strap 110 may then be adjustably attached to the glove100 by selectively engaging and disengaging the strip of hook fabricwith the loop fabric located on the underside 113 of the first strap110. Removably attaching the first strap 110 to the cradle 118 by hookand loop fastener allows the user to adjust the length of the ends 111and 112 of the first strap 110 by varying the placement of the centralportion 115 on the contact region 121, or otherwise adjust thepositioning, comfort, or support provided by the thumb brace 200.

In an alternative embodiment, contact region 121 does not comprise anattachment means, that is the first strap 110 is in contact with thecradle 118 during use but is not otherwise fixedly or removably attachedto the glove 100 by stitching, adhesive, hook and loop fastener, etc.For example, first end 111 of a loose (i.e., not otherwise attached)first strap 110 may be attached to the first attachment region 140(e.g., via hook and loop fastener or other fastener such as a snap suchas the type that are sometimes included on golf gloves for holding aremovable ball marker); the first strap 110 stretched and wrapped aroundthe thumb and into contact with the cradle 118; and the second end 112of the first strap 110 attached to the first attachment region 140 toprovide the attachment configuration for the first strap 110 as shown inFIG. 4 and described in detail herein. In another embodiment, contactregion 121 does not comprise an attachment means and either first end111 or second end 112 of the first strap 110 is fixedly attachedproximate the first attachment region 140, such as via stitching such asthat shown in FIG. 7 with respect to first end 151 of second strap 150.For example, first end 111 of first strap 110 may be fixedly attached tothe first attachment region 140 via stitching and/or adhesive; the firststrap 110 stretched and wrapped around the thumb and into contact withthe cradle 118; and the second end 112 of the first strap 110 attachedto the first attachment region 140 to provide the attachmentconfiguration for the first strap 110 as shown in FIG. 4 and describedin detail herein. In the embodiments of FIG. 8, the entirety of thefirst strap 110 is disposed on the exterior of the glove 100.

FIG. 9 illustrates another manner in which the first strap 110 may bedisposed at the cradle 118. In this embodiment, the first strap 110 isagain a single piece of material, but the entirety of the first strap110 is not disposed on the exterior of the glove 100, as in theembodiment of FIG. 8. Instead, a central portion 115 of the first strap110 passes through the interior of the glove 100 beneath the cradle 118(i.e., on the inside glove surface of the cradle 118). The first end 111of the first strap 110 emerges from the interior of the glove 100 on thedorsal side of the cradle 118 via an opening such as slit 127, and thesecond end 112 of the first strap 110 emerges from the interior of theglove 100 on the palmar side of the cradle via an opening such as slit129. The first strap 110 may optionally be attached to the glove 100near the slits 127 and 129 where each end emerges from the interior ofthe glove 100. Alternatively or additionally, the portion of the firststrap 110 that passes through the interior of the glove 100 may beattached to the interior of the glove, thus forming an interior contactregion analogous to contact region 121. Again, the attachment may occurby stitching, adhesive, or other known attachment means. As anotheralternative, the central portion 115 of the first strap 110 may not beattached to the glove 100 near the cradle 118 but instead may be allowedto at least partially slide in and out of slits 127 and 129 and throughthe interior of the glove 100 under the cradle 118, for example similarto a belt passing through a belt loop. In this alternative, attachmentof the first strap 110 to the glove 100 occurs only by ends 111 and 112in contact with the first attachment region 140, and the central portion115 of the first strap 110 is held in place by the portion disposed onthe interior glove surface between the slits 127 and 129. For example,first end 111 of first strap 110 may be attached to the first attachmentregion 140 (e.g., via hook and loop fastener or other fastener such as asnap such as the type that are sometimes included on golf gloves forholding a removable ball marker), and the first strap 110 is free toslide through the slits 127 and 129 during attachment of the first end111; the second end 112 of the first strap 110 may be stretched with thecentral portion 115 passing through an interior surface of the glovebetween slits 127 and 129; and the second end 112 of the first strap 110attached to the first attachment region 140 to provide the attachmentconfiguration for the first strap 110 as shown in FIG. 4 and describedin detail herein. Configuring the first strap 110 in the manner of FIG.9 may reduce the profile of the glove 100 (e.g., the palm of the glove100 has a substantially uniform surface without any ridges or edgesassociated with the first strap 110 to interfere with gripping anarticle such as a golf club), and thereby improve the feel and mobilityof the hand of a wearer of the glove 100 as compared to theconfiguration of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 illustrates another manner in which the first strap 110 may bedisposed at the cradle 118. In this embodiment, the first strap 110 isdiscontinuous and comprises two pieces or sections of material, 110 aand 110 b. First section 110 a (having first end 111) extends from theglove 100 on the dorsal side of the cradle 118, and the second section110 b (having second end 112) extends from the glove 100 on the palmarside of the cradle 118. Edge portion 138 of first section 110 a and edgeportion 139 of second section 110 b may be fixedly attached to theexterior of the glove 100 near the regions where the ends extend fromthe glove 100. Once again, the attachment may occur by stitching,gluing, or other known attachment means. Alternatively, the glove 100may be manufactured such that one end of each of the two sections 110 aand 110 b of the first strap 110 is connected as an integral componentof the glove 100 (e.g., integral, strap attachment tabs extendingoutward from the material, e.g., leather, forming the palm of the glove)near the cradle region 118 where the sections 110 a and 110 b extendfrom the glove 100. The first end 111 of the first strap 110 may bestretched taut and attached to the first attachment region 140 (e.g.,via hook and loop fastener or other fastener), and the second end 112 ofthe first strap 110 may be stretched taut and attached to the firstattachment region 140 to provide the attachment configuration for thefirst strap 110 as shown in FIG. 4 and described in detail herein.Tautly stretching and attaching ends 111 and 112 correspondingly pullsthe cradle 118 portion of the glove taut against the user's hand, whichlifts or extends the distal portion 30 of the thumb metacarpal bone 10,for example as shown by reference arrow 1020 in FIG. 13. Tautlystretching the two sections 110 a and 110 b from the regions ofconnection near the cradle to the first attachment region 140 in suchmanner may place stress on the regions of connection and therebyincrease the likelihood of tearing in the region of the cradle 118. Inan embodiment, to reduce the likelihood of such tearing, a reinforcingmaterial may be added to the region of the cradle 118. The reinforcingmaterial may be added to exterior of the cradle region, the interior ofthe cradle region, or both. Configuring the first strap 110 in themanner of FIG. 10 may also reduce the profile and/or thickness of theglove 100 (e.g., the palm of the glove 100 has a substantially uniformsurface without any ridges, edges, or changes in thickness associatedwith the first strap 110 to interfere with gripping an article such as agolf club) as compared to the configurations of FIGS. 8 and 9, andthereby improve the feel and mobility of the hand of a wearer of theglove 100 as compared to the configurations of FIGS. 8 and 9.

FIG. 11 illustrates an outline of the thumb brace 200 comprising glove100 superimposed over a dorsal view of the bones of a left human hand.In this view, the loose ends of the first strap 110 and the second strap150 have not been attached to the glove 100 at the first attachmentregion 140 or the second attachment region 160. Without support from thefirst strap 110 and the second strap 150, the thumb metacarpal bone 10has subluxed in the manner of a patient with arthritis in the CMC joint25. This subluxation can be seen from the fact that the proximal end 5of the thumb metacarpal bone 10 is not parallel with the distal end 22of the trapezium bone 20. Thus, the thumb metacarpal bone 10 interfaceswith the trapezium bone 20 only in the small region 70.

FIG. 12 illustrates an outline of the thumb brace 200 comprising glove100 superimposed over a palmar view of the bones of a left human hand.In this view, the loose ends of the first strap 110 and the second strap150 have been attached to the glove 100 at the first attachment region140 and the second attachment region 160, respectively, in the mannerdescribed herein.

FIG. 13 illustrates the results of attaching the first strap 110 and thesecond strap 150 to the glove 100 in the manner shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 6,7, and 12 and described in detail herein. That is, the first end 111 ofthe first strap 110 and the second end 112 of the first strap 110 havebeen attached to the glove 100 above the proximal portion 5 of the thumbmetacarpal bone 10, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13. In addition, the secondstrap 150 has been attached to the glove 100 across a dorsal proximalportion of the thumb metacarpal bone 10. From FIG. 13, it can be seenthat, compared with the subluxation depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 11, theproximal portion 5 of the thumb metacarpal bone 10 has moved in thedirection indicated by reference arrow 1010 and that dorsal subluxationof the proximal portion 5 of the thumb metacarpal bone 10 has thus beenreduced. It can further be seen that, compared with the subluxationdepicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 11, the distal portion 30 of the thumbmetacarpal bone 10 has moved in the direction indicated by referencearrow 1020 and that the distal portion 30 of the thumb metacarpal bone10 has thus become extended. Thus, the thumb metacarpal bone 10 and thetrapezium bone 20 have become properly aligned, and the interfacebetween the thumb metacarpal bone 10 and the trapezium bone 20 hasreturned to its preferred configuration, wherein the facing ends of thethumb metacarpal bone 10 and the trapezium bone 20 are substantiallyparallel with one another and share loads across the entire interface ofthe CMC joint 25.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method for aligning a thumbmetacarpal bone with a trapezium bone via use of one or more embodimentsof the thumb brace described in the present disclosure. At block 1110, athumb brace is donned. The thumb brace may comprises a glove, a firststrap, and a second strap as described herein. At block 1120, a firstend of the first strap and a second end of the first strap are attachedto the glove above a proximal portion of the thumb metacarpal bone suchthat a distal portion of the thumb metacarpal bone becomes extended. Atblock 1130, the second strap is attached to the glove across a dorsalproximal portion of the thumb metacarpal bone such that dorsalsubluxation of the proximal portion of the thumb metacarpal bone isreduced.

The method of FIG. 14 may further comprise extending the first end ofthe first strap from a first region of attachment of a central portionof the first strap at a region of the glove where a thumb element of theglove merges with a first finger element of the glove, around one of apalmar region of the glove and a dorsal region of the glove, to a secondregion of attachment above the proximal portion of the thumb metacarpalbone. The method may further comprise extending the second end of thefirst strap from the first region of attachment, around the other of thepalmar region of the glove and the dorsal region of the glove, to thesecond region of attachment.

The method of FIG. 14 may further comprise extending an end of thesecond strap remote from a third region of attachment of the secondstrap at a ventral side of a wrist region of the glove, across thedorsal proximal portion of the thumb metacarpal bone, to a fourth regionof attachment above the dorsal side of the wrist region of the glove.The method may further comprise attaching the end of the second strap tothe fourth region of attachment.

More generally, the thumb brace may be said to comprise a first means ormechanism for extending a distal portion of a thumb metacarpal bone anda second means or mechanism for reducing dorsal subluxation of aproximal portion of the thumb metacarpal bone, said first and secondmeans being supported by a glove as described herein.

In one embodiment, the first means or mechanism may be a single piece ofmaterial that is substantially longer than wide and is attached to orintegral with the exterior of the glove in a region of the glove where athumb element of the glove merges with a first finger element of theglove. In another embodiment, the first means or mechanism may also be asingle piece of material that is substantially longer than wide, and acentral portion of the elastic material may pass through an interiorspace of the glove. A first end portion of the elastic material mayemerge from the interior space of the glove on the dorsal side of theregion of the glove where the thumb element of the glove merges with thefirst finger element of the glove. A second end portion of the elasticmaterial may emerge from the interior space of the glove on the palmarside of the region of the glove where the thumb element of the glovemerges with the first finger element of the glove.

In another embodiment, the first means or mechanism may be two pieces ofmaterial, each of which is substantially longer than wide. A first ofthe two pieces may extend from the exterior of the glove on a dorsalside of the region of the glove where the thumb element of the glovemerges with the first finger element of the glove. A second of the twopieces may extend from the exterior of the glove on a palmar side of theregion of the glove where the thumb element of the glove merges with thefirst finger element of the glove.

In any of the above embodiments, a first end of the first means ormechanism may be configured to pass over a palmar region of the glove ora dorsal region of the glove and attach to the glove above a dorsalportion of the thumb metacarpal bone. A second end of the first means ormechanism may be configured to pass over the other of the palmar regionof the glove or the dorsal region of the glove and attach to the gloveabove the first end.

In any of the above embodiments, a first end of the second means ormechanism may be attached to or integral with the glove at a ventralside of a wrist region of the glove. A second end of the second means ormechanism may be configured to pass over the proximal portion of thethumb metacarpal bone and a portion of the radius bone of a wearer ofthe glove and attach to a dorsal side of the wrist region of the glove.The second end of the second means or mechanism, when attached to thedorsal side of the wrist region of the glove, may cover at least aportion of the first means or mechanism.

In the above embodiments, the first means or mechanism and the secondmeans or mechanism may be elastic straps, the ends of which may bestretched to a preferred position to achieve the alignment of the thumbmetacarpal bone as described above. In other embodiments, the firstmeans or mechanism and the second means or mechanism are not elastic.Instead, the lengths and orientations of the first means or mechanismand the second means or mechanism and the positions and sizes of theregions of the attachment of the first means or mechanism and the secondmeans or mechanism to the glove may be such that the attachment mayoccur only within a narrow range of orientations. The alignment of thethumb metacarpal bone described above may occur when the attachmentoccurs within this narrow range of orientations.

As mentioned above, any or all of the finger elements of the glove 100may be absent, and/or portions of any or all of the finger elements maybe absent. Such a fully or partially fingerless version of the glove 100may be useful for hunting, fishing, woodworking, gardening, needlework,and other activities where fine control of one or more fingers may beneeded and where alignment and stabilization of the thumb as describedherein may be desirable. Also, it should be understood that the glove100 may provide the above described benefits when the wearer is notengaged in any such specific activities. That is, a wearer may choose towear the glove 100 for comfort, stability and/or pain relief whileengaged in routine daily activities instead of or in addition to wearingthe glove 100 while engaged in a specific sport, hobby or pastime.

ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENTS

A first embodiment that is a thumb brace comprising a glove having athumb portion disposed between a palm side and a back side andcomprising a first attachment region positioned adjacent a base of thethumb portion and adjacent to and/or along a midline where the palm sideand back side meet and a second attachment region positioned on the backside of the glove; a first elastic strap having a first end, amid-portion, and a second end, wherein the mid-portion is disposedwithin a cradle of the glove between the thumb portion and an indexfinger portion of the glove, the first end is releasably attached to thefirst attachment region, and the second end is releasably attached tothe first attachment region, whereby the first strap extends a distalend of a thumb metacarpal bone of a user of the brace; and a secondelastic strap having a first end, a mid-portion, and a second end,wherein the first end is attached to the palm side of the glove and thesecond end is releasably attached to the second attachment region,whereby the second strap reduces a proximal end of a thumb metacarpalbone of a user of the brace.

A second embodiment that is the thumb brace of the first embodimentwherein the glove has a flap on the back side providing an adjustablysized cuff, and wherein the second attachment region is located on aback surface of the flap.

A third embodiment that is the thumb brace of the first and secondembodiments wherein the first strap is attached to the glove proximatethe cradle of the glove.

A fourth embodiment that is the thumb brace of the first through thirdembodiments wherein the first strap is releasably attached to the glove.

A fifth embodiment that is the thumb brace of the first through thirdembodiments wherein the first strap is stitched to the glove.

A sixth embodiment that is the thumb brace of the fifth embodimentwherein the first strap is continuous from the first end to the secondend, wherein the entire length of the first strap is disposed on theexterior of the glove, and wherein the first strap is stitched to theglove proximate the mid-portion of the first strap.

A seventh embodiment that is the thumb brace of fifth embodiment whereinthe first strap is discontinuous having a first section including thefirst end and a second section including the second end, wherein thefirst section is stitched to the cradle opposite the first end, andwherein the second section is stitched to the cradle opposite the secondend.

An eighth embodiment that is the thumb brace of the first through forthembodiments wherein the first strap is continuous from the first end tothe second end, the cradle further comprises a first slit and a secondslit, and all or a portion of the mid-portion of the first strap isslidably disposed inside the glove between the first and second slits.

A ninth embodiment that is the thumb brace of the first through eighthembodiments wherein the first and second ends of the first strap arereleasably connected to the first attachment region by a first hook andloop fastener and wherein the second end of the second strap isreleasably connected to the second attachment region by a second hookand loop fastener.

A tenth embodiment that is the thumb brace of the second through ninthembodiments wherein the flap is releasably connected to the back side ofthe glove by a third hook and loop fastener.

An eleventh embodiment that is the thumb brace of the first throughtenth embodiments wherein the glove is a golf glove.

A twelfth embodiment that is the thumb brace of the first througheleventh embodiments wherein at least a portion of the mid-portion ofthe second strap passes over the first strap.

A thirteenth embodiment that is the thumb brace of the first throughtwelfth embodiments wherein at least a portion of the mid-portion of thesecond strap passes over the first and second ends of the first strap.

A fourteenth embodiment that is the thumb brace of the first throughthirteenth embodiments wherein the second end of the first strapoverlaps the first end of the first strap.

A fifteenth embodiment that is a thumb brace comprising: a glovecomprising first, second, and third hook and loop fasteners, wherein thefirst hook and loop fastener provides an adjustable cuff opening for theglove; the second hook and loop fastener connects first and second endsof a first elastic strap positioned on the glove to extend a distal endof a thumb metacarpal bone of a user of the glove; and the third hookand loop fastener connects the second end of a second elastic strappositioned on the glove to reduce a proximal end of a thumb metacarpalbone of a user of the glove.

A sixteenth embodiment that is the thumb brace of the fifteenthembodiment wherein a first end of the second strap is stitched to theglove.

A seventeenth embodiment that is the thumb brace of the fifteenth orsixteenth embodiments wherein a mid-portion of the first strap isstitched to the glove, and wherein the first strap is continuous ordiscontinuous.

An eighteenth embodiment that is the thumb brace of the fifteenth orsixteenth embodiments further comprising a fourth hook and loop fastenerconnecting a mid-portion of the first strap to a cradle of the glove.

A nineteenth embodiment that is the thumb brace of the fifteenth througheighteenth embodiments wherein the glove is a golf glove.

A twentieth embodiment that is a method of using a thumb bracecomprising a glove and a strap system, the method comprising: placingthe glove on a hand experiencing subluxation of the thumb metacarpalbone; extending a distal end of the thumb metacarpal bone by releasablyconnecting a first elastic strap of the strapping system to a firstattachment region on the glove; and reducing a proximal end of the thumbmetacarpal bone by releasably connecting a second elastic strap to asecond attachment region of the glove.

A twenty-first embodiment that is the method of the twentieth embodimentwherein placing the glove on the hand further comprises releasablyattaching a flap portion of an adjustable cuff of the glove to the backof the glove, and wherein a back surface of the flap comprises thesecond attachment region of the glove.

A twenty-second embodiment that is the method of twentieth ortwenty-first embodiments wherein the thumb brace comprises: a glovehaving a thumb portion disposed between a palm side and a back side andcomprising a first attachment region positioned adjacent a base of thethumb portion and a second attachment region positioned on the back sideof the glove; a first elastic strap having a first end, a mid-portion,and a second end, wherein the mid-portion is disposed within a cradle ofthe glove between the thumb portion and an index finger portion of theglove, the first end is releasably attached to the first attachmentregion, and the second end is releasably attached to the firstattachment region, whereby the first strap extends a distal end of athumb metacarpal bone of a user of the brace; and a second elastic straphaving a first end, a mid-portion, and a second end, wherein the firstend is attached to the palm side of the glove and the second end isreleasably attached to the second attachment region, whereby the secondstrap reduces a proximal end of a thumb metacarpal bone of a user of thebrace.

A twenty-third embodiment that is the method of the twentieth ortwenty-first embodiments wherein the thumb brace comprises: a glovecomprising first, second, and third hook and loop fasteners, wherein thefirst hook and loop fastener provides an adjustable cuff opening for theglove; the second hook and loop fastener connects first and second endsof a first elastic strap positioned on the glove to extend a distal endof a thumb metacarpal bone of a user of the glove; and the third hookand loop fastener connects the second end of a second elastic strappositioned on the glove to reduce a proximal end of a thumb metacarpalbone of a user of the glove.

A twenty-fourth embodiment that is the method of the twentieth throughtwenty-third embodiments wherein the glove is a golf glove.

A twenty-fifth embodiment that is a method of making a thumb bracecomprising, providing a glove and attaching a strap system of the typedisclosed herein to the glove in accordance with the various embodimentsand figures disclosed herein. In such embodiment, hook and loop fastenercomponents (e.g. sections of fabric comprising the hook or loopcomponent) are attached (e.g., stitched) to the ends of the first andsecond straps as disclosed herein, and the complementary component ofthe hook and loop fastener is attached to the glove in the attachmentregions disclosed herein. The first and second straps may be attached tothe glove as described herein, for example by stitching.

A twenty-sixth embodiment that is a method of treating a subjectexperiencing thumb carpometacarpal joint arthritis comprising providinga thumb brace according to the first through nineteenth embodiments tothe subject with instructions comprising a sequence for releasablyattaching the first and second straps to the first and second contactregions, respectively.

A twenty-seventh embodiment that is a packaged article for commercecomprising the thumb brace of according to the first through nineteenthembodiments and instructions comprising a sequence for releasablyattaching the first and second straps to the first and second contactregions, respectively.

A twenty-eighth embodiment that is a method of treating a subjectexperiencing thumb carpometacarpal joint arthritis comprising extendinga distal end of the thumb metacarpal bone via a first force provided byan a first elastic strap positioned proximate or adjacent the distalend; and reducing a proximal end of the thumb metacarpal bone via asecond force provided by a second elastic strap positioned proximate oradjacent the proximal end, wherein the first force and the second forceare substantially opposite in direction such that a rotational force isprovided on the metacarpal bone effective to relieve on or moreindications of CMJ arthritis. In such embodiment, the first and secondforces may be provided by the thumb brace according to the first throughnineteenth embodiments.

A twenty-ninth embodiment that is a glove, for example a golf glove,comprising first, second, and third hook and loop fasteners, wherein thefirst hook and loop fastener provides an adjustable cuff opening; thesecond hook and loop fastener connects first and second ends of a firstelastic strap positioned on the glove to extend a distal end of a thumbmetacarpal bone of a user of the glove; and the third hook and loopfastener connects the second end of a second elastic strap positioned onthe glove to reduce a proximal end of a thumb metacarpal bone of a userof the glove.

A thirtieth embodiment that is a glove, for example a golf glove, havinga thumb portion disposed between a palm side and a back side, andcomprising: a first contact region positioned adjacent a base of thethumb along a midline where the palm side and back side meet and asecond contact region positioned on the back side of the glove; a firstelastic strap having a first end, a mid-portion, and a second end,wherein the mid-portion is disposed within a cradle of the glove betweenthe thumb portion and an index finger portion of the glove, the firstend is releasably attached to the first contact region, and the secondend is releasably attached to the first contact region, whereby thefirst strap extends a distal end of a thumb metacarpal bone of a user ofthe brace; and a second elastic strap having a first end, a mid-portion,and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to the palm side ofthe glove and the second end is releasably attached to the secondcontact region, whereby the second strap reduces a proximal end of athumb metacarpal bone of a user of the brace.

A thirty-first embodiment that is a glove, for example a golf glove,comprising: a first mechanism for extending a distal portion of a thumbmetacarpal bone; and a second mechanism for reducing dorsal subluxationof a proximal portion of the thumb metacarpal bone.

A thirty-second embodiment that is the glove of the thirty-firstembodiment, wherein the first mechanism comprises one of: (i) a singlepiece of elastic material, substantially longer than wide, attached tothe exterior of the glove in a region of the glove where a thumb elementof the glove merges with a first finger element of the glove; (ii) asingle piece of elastic material, substantially longer than wide,wherein a central portion of the elastic material passes through aninterior space of the glove, wherein a first end portion of the elasticmaterial emerges from the interior space of the glove to the exterior ofthe glove on the dorsal side of the region of the glove where the thumbelement of the glove merges with the first finger element of the glove,and wherein a second end portion of the elastic material emerges fromthe interior space of the glove to the exterior of the glove on thepalmar side of the region of the glove where the thumb element of theglove merges with the first finger element of the glove; or (iii) twopieces of elastic material, each substantially longer than wide, whereina first of the pieces extends from the exterior of the glove on a dorsalside of the region of the glove where the thumb element of the glovemerges with the first finger element of the glove, and wherein a secondof the pieces extends from the exterior of the glove on a palmar side ofthe region of the glove where the thumb element of the glove merges withthe first finger element of the glove.

A thirty-third embodiment that is the glove of the thirty-first orthirty-second embodiments, wherein a first end of the first mechanism isconfigured to pass over one of a palmar region of the glove and a dorsalregion of the glove and attach to the glove above a dorsal portion ofthe thumb metacarpal bone, and wherein a second end of the firstmechanism is configured to pass over the other of the palmar region ofthe glove and the dorsal region of the glove and attach to the gloveabove the first end.

A thirty-fourth embodiment that is the glove of the thirty-thirdembodiment, wherein the first end and the second end are of such alength, and wherein a region of the attachment of the first end and thesecond end to the glove is in such a position above the dorsal portionof the thumb metacarpal bone, that extension of the distal portion ofthe thumb metacarpal bone is capable of occurring when the attachmentoccurs.

A thirty-fifth embodiment that is the glove of the thirty-third andthirty-fourth embodiments, wherein a region of the attachment of thefirst end and the second end to the glove comprises: a first indicatorindicating a preferred position of the first end when the first end isattached; and a second indicator indicating a preferred position of thesecond end when the second end is attached.

A thirty-sixth embodiment that is the glove of the thirty-second throughthirty-fifth embodiments, wherein, when the first mechanism comprisestwo pieces of elastic material, the region of the glove where the thumbelement of the glove merges with the first finger element of the gloveis reinforced such that the likelihood of tearing of the region of theglove where the thumb element of the glove merges with the first fingerelement of the glove is reduced.

A thirty-seventh embodiment that is the glove of the thirty-thirdthrough thirty-sixth embodiments, wherein the attachment of the firstend and the second end to the glove occurs by one of: a hook and loopfastening system; a snap fastening system; or a button fastening system.

A thirty-eight embodiment that is the glove of the thirty-first throughthirty-seventh embodiments, wherein a first end of the second mechanismis attached to the glove at a ventral side of a wrist region of theglove, and wherein a second end of the second mechanism is configured topass over the proximal portion of the thumb metacarpal bone and a radiusbone of a wearer of the glove and attach to a dorsal side of the wristregion of the glove.

A thirty-ninth embodiment that is the glove of the thirty-eighthembodiment, wherein the second end of the second mechanism, whenattached to the dorsal side of the wrist region of the glove, covers atleast a portion of the first mechanism.

A fortieth embodiment that is the glove of thirty-eighth or thirty-ninthembodiment, wherein the attachment of the second end of the secondmechanism to the dorsal side of the wrist region of the glove occurs byone of: a hook and loop fastening system; a snap fastening system; or abutton fastening system.

A forty-first embodiment that is a glove, for example a golf glove,comprising: a first elastic strapping mechanism configured to exertpressure on a palmar region of a distal portion of a thumb metacarpalbone; and a second elastic strapping mechanism configured to exertpressure on a dorsal region of a proximal portion of the thumbmetacarpal bone.

A forty-second embodiment that is a glove, for example a golf glove,comprising: a first strapping mechanism configured to be capable ofexerting pressure on a distal portion of a thumb metacarpal bone, suchthat the distal portion of the thumb metacarpal bone moves in a mannercharacteristic of extending the thumb metacarpal bone; and a secondstrapping mechanism configured to be capable of exerting pressure on aproximal portion of the thumb metacarpal bone, such that the proximalportion of the thumb metacarpal bone moves in a direction opposite tothe movement of the distal portion of the thumb metacarpal bone.

A forty-third embodiment that is a method for aligning a thumbmetacarpal bone with a trapezium bone, the method comprising: donning aglove, for example a golf glove, wherein the glove comprises a firststrap and a second strap; attaching a first end of the first strap and asecond end of the first strap to the glove above a proximal portion ofthe thumb metacarpal bone such that a distal portion of the thumbmetacarpal bone becomes extended; and attaching the second strap to theglove across a dorsal proximal portion of the thumb metacarpal bone suchthat dorsal subluxation of the proximal portion of the thumb metacarpalbone is reduced.

A forty-fourth embodiment that is the method of the forty-thirdembodiment, further comprising: extending the first end of the firststrap from a first region of attachment of a central portion of thefirst strap at a region of the glove where a thumb element of the glovemerges with a first finger element of the glove, around one of a palmarregion of the glove and a dorsal region of the glove, to a second regionof attachment above the proximal portion of the thumb metacarpal bone;and extending the second end of the first strap from the first region ofattachment, around the other of the palmar region of the glove and thedorsal region of the glove, to the second region of attachment.

A forth-fifth embodiment that is the method of the forty-third orforty-fourth embodiment, further comprising: extending an end of thesecond strap remote from a third region of attachment of the secondstrap at a ventral side of a wrist region of the glove, across thedorsal proximal portion of the thumb metacarpal bone, to a fourth regionof attachment above the dorsal side of the wrist region of the glove;and attaching the end of the second strap to the fourth region ofattachment.

While several embodiments have been provided in the present disclosure,it should be understood that the disclosed systems and methods might beembodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spiritor scope of the present disclosure. The present examples are to beconsidered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the intention is notto be limited to the details given herein. For example, the variouselements or components may be combined or integrated in another systemor certain features may be omitted, or not implemented.

In addition, techniques, systems, subsystems, and methods described andillustrated in the various embodiments as discrete or separate may becombined or integrated with other systems, modules, techniques, ormethods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.Other items shown or discussed as coupled or directly coupled orcommunicating with each other may be indirectly coupled or communicatingthrough some interface, device, or intermediate component whetherelectrically, mechanically, or otherwise. Other examples of changes,substitutions, and alterations are ascertainable by one skilled in theart and could be made without departing from the spirit and scopedisclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A thumb brace comprising: a glove having a thumbportion disposed between a palm side and a back side and comprising afirst attachment region positioned adjacent a base of the thumb portionand a second attachment region positioned on the back side of the glove;a first elastic strap having a first end, a mid-portion, and a secondend, wherein the mid-portion is disposed within a cradle of the glovebetween the thumb portion and an index finger portion of the glove,wherein the first strap is attached via stitching to the glove proximatethe cradle of the glove, wherein the first strap is continuous from thefirst end to the second end, wherein the entire length of the firststrap is disposed on the exterior of the glove, wherein the first strapis stitched to the glove proximate the mid-portion of the first strap,wherein the first end is releasably attachable to the first attachmentregion and the second end is releasably attachable to the firstattachment region, and wherein the first strap extends from the cradleof the glove and wraps around both sides of the thumb portion of theglove when the first and second ends of the first strap are releasablyattached to the first attachment region, whereby the first strap extendsa distal end of a thumb metacarpal bone of a user of the brace; and asecond elastic strap having a first end, a mid-portion, and a secondend, wherein the first end is attached to the palm side of the glove andthe second end is releasably attachable to the second attachment region,whereby the second strap reduces a proximal end of a thumb metacarpalbone of a user of the brace.
 2. The thumb brace of claim 1 wherein theglove has a flap on the back side providing an adjustably sized cuff,and wherein the second attachment region is located on a back surface ofthe flap.
 3. The thumb brace of claim 2 wherein the first and secondends of the first strap are releasably attachable to the firstattachment region by a first hook and loop fastener and wherein thesecond end of the second strap is releasably attachable to the secondattachment region by a second hook and loop fastener.
 4. The thumb braceof claim 3 wherein the flap is releasably attachable to the back side ofthe glove by a third hook and loop fastener.
 5. The thumb brace of claim4 wherein the glove is a batting glove.
 6. The thumb brace of claim 5wherein a first end of the second strap is stitched to the glove.
 7. Thethumb brace of claim 4 wherein the glove is a golf glove.
 8. The thumbbrace of claim 7 wherein a first end of the second strap is stitched tothe glove.
 9. The thumb brace of claim 8 wherein a first end of thesecond strap is stitched to the glove.
 10. The thumb brace of claim 7wherein at least a portion of the mid-portion of the second strap passesover the first and second ends of the first strap when the first andsecond ends of the first strap are releasably attached to the firstattachment region and the second end of the second strap is releasablyattached to the second attachment region.
 11. The thumb brace of claim10 wherein the second end of the first strap overlaps the first end ofthe first strap when the first and second ends of the first strap arereleasably attached to the first attachment region.
 12. The thumb braceof claim 11 wherein the first attachment region is in the shape of an X.13. The thumb brace of claim 12 wherein the first end of the first strapis releasably attachable to a first leg of the X and the second end ofthe first strap is releasably attachable to a second leg of the X. 14.The thumb brace of claim 2 wherein the flap is releasably attachable tothe back side of the glove by a third hook and loop fastener.
 15. Thethumb brace of claim 1 wherein the first and second ends of the firststrap are releasably attachable to the first attachment region by afirst hook and loop fastener and wherein the second end of the secondstrap is releasably attachable to the second attachment region by asecond hook and loop fastener.
 16. The thumb brace of claim 1 whereinthe glove is a golf glove.
 17. The thumb brace of claim 1 wherein atleast a portion of the mid-portion of the second strap passes over thefirst strap when the first and second ends of the first strap arereleasably attached to the first attachment region and the second end ofthe second strap is releasably attached to the second attachment region.18. The thumb brace of claim 1 wherein the second end of the first strapoverlaps the first end of the first strap when the first and second endsof the first strap are releasably attached to the first attachmentregion.
 19. The thumb brace of claim 1 wherein the glove is a battingglove.
 20. The thumb brace of claim 1 wherein the first attachmentregion is in the shape of an X.
 21. The thumb brace of claim 20 whereinthe first end of the first strap is releasably attachable to a first legof the X and the second end of the first strap is releasably attachableto a second leg of the X.
 22. The thumb brace of claim 1 wherein a firstend of the second strap is stitched to the glove.
 23. A method of usinga thumb brace comprising a glove and a strap system, the methodcomprising: placing the glove on a hand experiencing subluxation of thethumb metacarpal bone; extending a distal end of the thumb metacarpalbone by releasably connecting a first elastic strap of the strappingsystem to a first attachment region on the glove; and reducing aproximal end of the thumb metacarpal bone by releasably connecting asecond elastic strap to a second attachment region of the glove, whereinthe thumb brace comprises: a glove having a thumb portion disposedbetween a palm side and a back side and comprising a first attachmentregion positioned adjacent a base of the thumb portion and a secondattachment region positioned on the back side of the glove; a firstelastic strap having a first end, a mid-portion, and a second end,wherein the mid-portion is disposed within a cradle of the glove betweenthe thumb portion and an index finger portion of the glove, wherein thefirst strap is attached via stitching to the glove proximate the cradleof the glove, wherein the first strap is continuous from the first endto the second end, wherein the entire length of the first strap isdisposed on the exterior of the glove, wherein the first strap isstitched to the glove proximate the mid-portion of the first strap,wherein the first end is releasably attachable to the first attachmentregion and the second end is releasably attachable to the firstattachment region, and wherein the first strap extends from the cradleof the glove and wraps around both sides of the thumb portion of theglove when the first and second ends of the first strap are releasablyattached to the first attachment region, whereby the first strap extendsa distal end of a thumb metacarpal bone of a user of the brace; and asecond elastic strap having a first end, a mid-portion, and a secondend, wherein the first end is attached to the palm side of the glove andthe second end is releasably attachable to the second attachment region,whereby the second strap reduces a proximal end of a thumb metacarpalbone of a user of the brace.
 24. The method of claim 23 wherein theglove is a golf glove, wherein placing the glove on the hand furthercomprises releasably attaching a flap portion of an adjustable cuff ofthe glove to the back of the glove, and wherein a back surface of theflap comprises the second attachment region of the glove.